The World Health Organization recognizes Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, which affect more than 55 million people worldwide, as a global public health crisis of the 21st century. In a significant stride towards improving Alzheimer's care, Howard Bergman, MD, FCFP, FRCPC, FCAHS, C.Q and Isabelle Vedel, MD-MPH, PhD, both from 大发彩票平台鈥檚 Department of Family Medicine played fundamental roles in shaping the first , launched earlier this year.
Dr. Bergman, Professor of Family and Geriatric Medicine, led the drafting of the policy at the request of the Quebec Minister Responsible for Seniors and Dr. Isabelle Vedel, co-founder- with Dr. Bergman - and scientific director of the Research on Organization of Services for Alzheimer's (ROSA), led the research that supported the policy. Alongside colleagues from the University of Sherbrooke and the Centre for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology, their work in evaluating the 2009 Quebec Alzheimer Plan laid the groundwork for many of the policy鈥檚 forward-thinking strategies.
The new Quebec Alzheimer Policy underscores two key priorities in the fight against Alzheimer鈥檚 disease. First, it highlights the potential to significantly reduce the number of new cases through proactive brain health promotion and prevention strategies.
鈥淭his approach is not only realistic but already proven effective. Over the past two decades, high-income countries have seen a 25% decline in new Alzheimer鈥檚 cases each year, thanks to increased awareness and preventive measures. By prioritizing cognitive health, Quebec aims to build on this momentum and continue to lower incidence rates across the province,鈥� says Dr. Bergman.
Secondly, the policy addresses the critical role of social determinants in shaping Alzheimer鈥檚 risk and access to care. It acknowledges that while no one is entirely immune to the disease, individuals in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods and those with lower education levels face higher risks. To address these disparities, the policy calls for programs that are targeted, culturally safe and responsive to the unique health needs and priorities of the populations most at risk鈥攅nsuring that care is equitable, inclusive and accessible for all.
鈥淚t is so satisfying to see research results being used in the real-world. We don鈥檛 often see that in our research bubbles. The future of Alzheimer鈥檚 care lies in the integration of evidence-based practices and comprehensive primary care,a vision that is rapidly becoming a reality,鈥� says Dr. Vedel.
A shift in focus: Primary Care at the forefront of Alzheimer鈥檚 care
Quebec鈥檚 new policy on Alzheimer鈥檚 disease also sees family doctors playing a pivotal role in transforming how Alzheimer鈥檚 care is delivered across the province. Recognizing that the growing number of individuals affected by these conditions requires a more accessible and community-based approach, the policy places primary care, in particular Family Medicine Groups (Groupes de m茅decine de famille, GMFs) at the core of early detection, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support.
The policy acknowledges the limitations of relying solely on specialists and memory clinics, which often face long wait times and lack the capacity for sustained follow-up. Instead, it empowers Family Medicine Groups with their interdisciplinary teams, including nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and pharmacists, to become the frontline providers of comprehensive dementia care.
Family doctors are seen as the ideal first point of contact due to their longitudinal relationships with patients and their familiarity with managing complex chronic conditions. The policy calls for increased training, mentorship and clinical tools to enhance their ability to identify cognitive decline early, deliver diagnoses and coordinate care with specialists and home care services when needed.
Ultimately, this shift reflects a broader movement toward leveraging the strengths of family doctors to provide timely, equitable and culturally sensitive care throughout the disease journey, from early symptoms to end-of-life support.
The launch of this groundbreaking policy marks a turning point in Alzheimer鈥檚 care in Quebec. By modernizing prevention and care strategies and prioritizing the critical role of primary care physicians, these researchers are reshaping the landscape of Alzheimer鈥檚 disease management across the province. With Dr. Bergman and Dr. Vedel at the helm, the Department of Family Medicine is poised to lead the way in implementing practices that not only enhance patient outcomes but also set a new standard for health care systems across the country. Their work exemplifies how rigorous research combined with innovative policymaking can drive meaningful improvements in public health.
Congratulations Dr. Bergman and Dr. Vedel on this important work!
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To read the Quebec Policy on Alzheimer鈥檚, please visit:
To learn more about the work of ROSA: /familymed/research/projects/research-organization-healthcare-services-alzheimers-rosa
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